The Ministry of Defence has apologised after a reported 38 soldiers - including one serving on the Afghan front line - were sacked by email.

The men, all warrant officers, were told they were losing their jobs because "the Army has to make significant cutbacks", according to The Sun.

They have completed several decades' service and continued in the Army on a rolling contract called the Long Service List.

Due to an error they were given the news that their contracts would be terminated in 12 months by email instead of in person.

The message was reported to have said: "In my capacity as the Career Manager for the Versatile Engagement Long Career (VEng LC) and Long Service List (LSL), I write to notify you that with regret, I must issue you with 12 months' Notice of Termination.

"As I'm sure you are aware the Army has to make significant cutbacks and we as the VEng LC & LSL are expected to play our part in reductions."

An MoD spokesman said: "We apologise for the distress that this will have caused.

"Commanding officers have now spoken to the soldiers concerned to ensure that they receive all necessary advice and support."

Shadow defence secretary Jim Murphy told The Sun: "To be sacked by email is a shameful and callous way to be treated. The Government should apologise."

It was reported on Monday that a quarter of the RAF's trainee pilots are to be sacked. The Daily Telegraph said that up to 100 student pilots would be told they had no future in the service.